Iowa beats Minnesota 23-7 at TFC Bank Stadium to keep Floyd of Rosedale for another season

MINNEAPOLIS -- Floyd of Rosedale is staying in Iowa City following the Iowa Hawkeye's 23-7 victory over Minnesota on Saturday afternoon at TCF Bank Stadium. The Hawkeyes pulled off the victory on the Gophers' Homecoming game.

The Hawkeyes pushed their winning streak to four games in improving to 4-1 overall and 1-0 in Big Ten Conference play; Minnesota is 4-1 overall and 0-1 in conference play. Iowa's win was the first in three chances at TCF Bank Stadium.  It was Iowa's first win in Minneapolis, since the 55-0 win over Minnesota in 2008 during the final game played in the Metrodome.

"You get what you deserve, and the last two times up here, we ended up with what we deserved," said Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz. "You have to play the full 60 minutes, and today, we certainly did.

"There were some peaks and valleys, but our guys did a good job of weathering the tough times and came through in the end," Ferentz said after the Hawkeyes victory.

Iowa dominated the Gophers, holding a 464-165 advantage in total offense. The Hawkeyes rushed for 246 yards -- their fifth-straight 200-yard rushing games -- and had 218 yards through the air. Iowa converted 8-of-14 third downs and had a 12-minute advantage in time of possession (36:01-23:59).

Iowa's defense limited Minnesota's rushing attack, which ranked 13th nationally with a 282.3 per game average entering the game, to 30 yards on 27 carries. The Hawkeyes forced two turnovers and had a season-best four sacks.

The Hawkeyes only had two sacks in the first four games. The game was highlighted by Hawkeye gang tackling against the Gophers rushing attack.

"It was a big challenge for us coming in," said Ferentz. "These guys have done an excellent job rushing the football. It was a big challenge and our guys really rose to the occasion."

Ferentz went on to say "it was strength on strength up front and our linebackers did what they were supposed to do."

Iowa is one of four schools with all three starting linebackers on the Butkis Watch List.

Senior Anthony Hitchens paced the team with 10 tackles, while seniors James Morris (8 tackles) and Christian Kirksey (5 tackles) both had an interception.

"Things were clicking on defense, especially in the first half, I thought we played pretty well," said Morris.

Junior Mark Weisman rushed 24 times for 147 yards -- his fourth 100-yard game this season. Redshirt sophomore Jake Rudock was 15-of-25 for 218 yards with a touchdown, and junior Kevonte Martin-Manley had six catches for 56 yards. Junior Damond Powell had one catch -- a 74-yard touchdown reception.

After leading 17-0 at the half, the Hawkeyes pushed their lead to 20-0 on their second possession of the second half, courtesy of a 15-play, 75-yard drive. Iowa converted three third-and longs on the drive -- a 14-yard completion to Jacob Hillyer on third-and-9 from the Iowa 21, an 8-yard toss to Martin-Manley on third-and-8 from the 37, and a 22-yard scramble by Rudock on third-and-9 from midfield.

On first-and-10 from the Minnesota 32, Weisman rushed for 7 and 18 yards on consecutive carries down to the 7. After a holding penalty pushed Iowa back to the 17, Rudock connected with Martin-Manley on a swing pass for 14 yards to the 5. Iowa couldn't punch it into the end zone, but place kicker Mike Meyer made a 23-yard chip shot to make the score 20-0.

Minnesota got a kick of energy when Marcus Jones returned the ensuing kickoff from two yards deep in his own end zone 66 yards to the Iowa 34. On the fourth play of the drive, Philip Nelson found Derrick Engel for a 23-yard touchdown strike, cutting the Hawkeye advantage to 20-7.

Despite giving up an eight-play, 54-yard drive to the Hawkeyes on their next possession, Minnesota kept the momentum when it forced a Rudock interception in the end zone. Iowa's drive moved to the Gopher 13 yard line before Brock Vereen picked off an attempt in Tevaun Smith's direction to give Minnesota the ball back with 13:58 to play.

Iowa's defense surrendered two first downs, and just 23 yards before the Iowa offense used an 11-play, 62-yard drive to extend its lead. Eight of the plays were rushing attempts -- five to Weisman -- and an 18-yard pitch-and-catch to Martin-Manley on third-and-9 moved the chains. After the drive stalled at the Minnesota 28, Meyer connected on a 46-yard field goal to extend Iowa's lead to 23-7.

Minnesota used a second strong kick return of 53 yards by Antonio Johnson to start the ensuing drive in Iowa territory. On fourth-and-5, Morris sealed the Hawkeye win when he picked off Nelson at midfield.

Iowa scored the game's first points, moving 27 yards over six plays on its second drive. After taking over at its own 42, the Hawkeyes got a 19-yard run from Weisman on a draw up the middle to move to the Minnesota 39. Following two runs and a swing pass to Bullock, Meyer drilled a 49-yard field goal to give Iowa a 3-0 advantage.

Iowa made the score 10-0 with an eight-play, 80-yard drive in the second quarter. Weisman opened the drive with three rushes for 18 yards to the 38 before Rudock connected with fullback Adam Cox for a 35 yard gain on third-and-3 off play action to the Minnesota 27.

Two plays later, the Gophers' Eric Murray was whistled for pass interference on an attempt to Martin-Manley in the end zone, setting up first and goal from the 8. Following two Weisman rushes, Rudock found the end zone for the fifth time this season when he scrambled in a five-wide formation for the score.

On the first play of Minnesota's next offensive possession, Iowa's defense forced its first turnover of the game. Nelson threw the ball behind tight end Drew Goodger on a screen attempt, where it deflected in the air. Senior Christian Kirksey snatched the ball for an interception to give Iowa the ball at the Minnesota 23. Iowa's offense couldn't capitalize, and the Hawkeyes came away empty when Meyer's 39-yard field goal attempt hit the up right.

Iowa pushed the margin to 17-0 on its next possession, courtesy of the big play. Following an 11-yard completion to Smith on first down, the Hawkeyes executed perfectly on a bubble screen to junior Damond Powell on the next play. Powell took the pass from Rudock, before cutting to the inside behind a wall of blockers and dashing 74 yards untouched for the touchdown. The play was the longest from the line of scrimmage for the team this season and the 23rd-longest touchdown in Iowa history.

The Hawkeyes return to action Oct. 5, hosting Michigan State (3-1) on Homecoming at 11 a.m. (CT). The Spartans are one of six Big Ten teams enjoying a bye week to close out the final weekend of September in College Football.

Game Day: Iowa at Minnesota in Big Ten opener for Hawkeyes, Gophers

Something has to give on Saturday in Minneapolis?

Look for a game won in the trenches, as Iowa (3-1) and Minnesota (4-0) take battle in TCF Bank Stadium, in the 2013 Big Ten opener for each team.

Both teams emphasize the running attack, so how will explosive plays on play action help each team? Iowa's run defense has not given up a rush touchdown in 2013.

Who will win the battle in the red zone on Saturday?

Other areas that have played a big role in this series lately:

- Turnovers
- Special Teams
- Explosive Plays - play action is only one area to watch!
- Third down efficiency for each offense and defense

A Look at Minnesota in the Battle for Floyd of Rosedale!

OFFENSE for Minnesota begins and ends for the most part with the run. The balance is a running quarterback and the backs. The starting quarterback hasn't thrown either a touchdown or interception on 20 passes. Back up Nelson has two interceptions, one touchdown on 41 passes. Play action has been an issue at times for Iowa secondary.

Left Tackle 78 - Ben Lauer  6-6 302 R-Fr.  Plymouth, Minn. (Wayzata HS), 74 - Marek Lenkiewicz 6-5 289 R-Jr. Tinley Park, Ill. (Victor J. Andrew HS)
Left Guard 52 - Zac Epping 6-2 321 R-Jr.  Kenosha, Wis. (Tremper HS), 73 - Joe Bjorklund 6-5 288 R-So.  Rosemount, Minn. (Rosemount HS)
Center 63 - Jon Christenson 6-4 306 R-So.  Minnetonka, Minn. (Minnetonka HS), 53 - Tommy Olson 6-4 301 Jr.  Mahtomedi, Minn. (Mahtomedi HS)
Right Guard 64 - Caleb Bak 6-3 302 R-Jr.  Columbia Heights, Minn. (Concordia Academy), 77 - Foster Bush 6-5 303 R-So.  Menasha, Wis. (Menasha HS)
Right Tackle 65 - Josh Campion 6-5 326 R-So.  Fergus Falls, Minn. (Fork Union Military Academy), 79 - Jonah Pirsig  6-9 308 R-Fr. Blue Earth, Minn. (Blue Earth Area HS)
Quarterback 7 - Mitch Leidner   6-4 233 R-Fr.  Lakeville, Minn. (Lakeville South HS), 9 - Philip Nelson 6-2 215 So. Mankato, Minn. (Mankato West HS), 5 - Chris Streveler  6-2 209 Fr.  Crystal Lake, Ill. (Marian Central Catholic HS)
Tailback 35 - Rodrick Williams Jr.  5-11 235 So. Lewisville, Texas (Lewisville HS) OR 27 - David Cobb 5-11 225 Jr. Killeen, Texas (Ellison HS), 20 - Donnell Kirkwood 5-10 233 R-Jr. Delray Beach, Fla. (Atlantic)
H-Back/Fullback 30 - Mike Henry 6-1 231 R-Sr.  Mahtomedi, Minn. (Mahtomedi HS) OR 88 - Maxx Williams 6-4 254 R-Fr. Waconia, Minn. (Waconia HS)
Y Receiver 83 - Drew Goodger  6-5 265 So.  Shawnee Mission, Kan. (Northwest HS), 85 - Lincoln Plsek  6-4 265 So.  Waco, Texas (Reicher HS)
Z Receiver 14 - Isaac Fruechte  6-3 204 R-Jr. Caledonia, Minn. (Rochester CTC), 1 - KJ Maye 5-10 197 So. Mobile, Ala. (Murphy HS) OR 84 - Victor Keise 6-1 188 R-Sr. Coral Springs, Fla. (North Broward Prep)
H Receiver 18 - Derrick Engel   6-2 187 R-Sr.  Chaska, Minn. (Winona State), 17 - Logan Hutton  6-1 181 R-Jr.  La Marque, Texas (La Marque HS)
X Receiver 4 - Donovahn Jones 6-3 190 Fr. Stockbridge, Ga. (Dutchtown HS), 82 - Drew Wolitarsky 6-3 208 Fr. Santa Clarita, Calif. (Canyon County HS)

DEFENSE for Minnesota risk/reward unit much like Northern Illinois. They are capable of getting the sack and tackle for loss. Iowa may get the hurry, often the Golden Gophers pull off the negative play. RE Theiren Cockren leads unit with 3 sacks.

End 98 - Michael Amaefula 6-2 244 Jr. Arlington, Texas (Bowie HS), 95 - Hank Ekpe 6-5 251 Fr. Lewisville, Texas (Lewisville HS)
Tackle 46 - Cameron Botticelli 6-5 290 R-Jr. Milwaukee, Wis. (Marquette University HS), 92 - Roland Johnson  6-1 286 Sr.  Camden, S.C. (Butler CC)
Nose 99 - Ra’Shede Hageman 6-6 311 R-Sr. Minneapolis, Minn. (Washburn HS), 97 - Scott Ekpe 6-4 281 So. Lewisville, Texas (Lewisville HS)
End 55 - Theiren Cockran 6-6 238 R-So. Homestead, Fla. (Homestead HS), 91 - Alex Keith  6-3 237 So. Columbia, Mo. (Hickman HS)
Strongside Linebacker 57 - Aaron Hill 6-2 231 R-Sr. St. Charles, Mo. (Lutheran HS), 56 - Nick Rallis 5-11 227 R-Fr. Edina, Minn. (Edina HS)
Middle Linebacker 5 - Damien Wilson 6-2 254 Jr. Gloster, Miss. (Jones County CC), 50 - Jack Lynn  6-3 234 R-Fr. Lake Zurich, Ill. (Lake Zurich HS)
Weakside Linebacker 26 - De’Vondre Campbell  6-5 225 R-So. Fort Myers, Fla. (Hutchinson CC), 9 - James Manuel  6-2 225 Sr. Indianapolis, Ind. (Warren Central HS)
Cornerback 31 - Eric Murray 6-0 194 So. Milwaukee, Wis. (Riverside University HS), 3 - Martez Shabazz 5-11 172 Sr. DeSoto, Texas (Trinity Valley CC)
Strong Safety 21 - Brock Vereen 6-0 202 Sr. Valencia, Calif. (Valencia HS),11 - Antonio Johnson  6-0 207 So.  Cleveland, Ohio (Shaker Heights HS)
Free Safety 2 - Cedric Thompson 5-10 211 Jr. Calipatria, Calif. (Calipatria HS), 7 - Damarius Travis 6-2 208 So.  Pensacola, Fla. (Pensacola HS)
Cornerback 13 - Derrick Wells 6-0 206 Jr. Lehigh Acres, Fla. (Lehigh HS), 22 - Jeremy Baltazar 6-0 197 Sr. Corona, Calif. (Blinn College)

SPECIAL TEAMS for Minnesota is best in the return game, as Marcus Jones has tacken a 98 yarder to the house already this season on a kickoff, as well he has scored on a punt return. Kicking is good, as well, though place kicking isn't always consist.

Placekicker 36 - Chris Hawthorne   6-6 200 Sr. Raleigh, N.C. (NC State), 33 - Andrew Harte 6-0 180 Fr. Downers Grove, Ill. (Montini Catholic HS) OR 28 - Ryan Santoso 6-5 260 Fr. Pace, Fla. (Pace HS)
Punter 37 - Peter Mortell 6-2 195 R-So. Green Bay, Wis. (Notre Dame Academy), 94 - Christian Eldred 6-3 185 Jr. Melbourne, Australia (Monash University) OR 41 - Dan Orseske 6-3 205 R.-Sr Chicago, Ill. (Brother Rice HS) OR 28 - Ryan Santoso 6-5 260 Fr. Pace, Fla. (Pace HS)
Placeholder 37 - Peter Mortell 6-2 195 R-So. Green Bay, Wis. (Notre Dame Academy)
Long Snapper 48 - Jake Filkins   6-2 240 Sr.  Prescott, Wis. (Prescott),;96 - Dave Ramlet 6-2 238 R-Jr. Appleton, Wis. (Xavier HS) OR 40 - Jared Hartman 6-3 229 R-So. Falcon Heights, Minn. (Cretin-Derham Hall HS)
Kick Returner 15 - Marcus Jones  5-8 166 Jr.  Wake Forest, N.C. (Wake Forest-Rolesville),11 - Antonio Johnson        6-0      207     So.    Cleveland, Ohio (Shaker Heights, Ohio)
Punt Returner 15 - Marcus Jones  5-8 166 Jr.  Wake Forest, N.C. (Wake Forest-Rolesville), 1 - KJ Maye 5-10 197 So. Mobile, Ala. (Murphy)

PARTICIPATION REPORT for Minnesota
Student-Athlete Status for Sept. 28 game vs. Iowa
30 - Mike Henry, Questionable 
47 - Alex Bisch, Out
29 - Briean Boddy-Calhoun, Out for the season

The Hawkeyes have overcome back to back two game losing streaks with wins over both Iowa State and Western Michigan this season. The Hawkeyes have lost two in a row at TCF Bank Stadium, so can Iowa pull off the Trifecta?

Quarterback 15 Jack Rudock, the sophomore makes his first Big Ten start on the road. He is a pre-med game manager for the Iowa offense. He did well at Iowa State and has shown poise in the pocket as he as played, grown over the four non-conference games. He faced a windy game at Iowa State and he may in Minneapolis, as well. Rain is expected pre-game. Rudock has four touchdowns via run and he has thrown five touchdowns, three interceptions. Redshirt freshman 16 C.J. Beathard took first snaps in 59-3 win over Western Michigan last weekend.

Running Backs 45 Mark Weisman, the junior leads the country in carries, second among B1G backs in rushing, but offensive coordinator Greg Davis has been rotating Iowa's RBs, often every two carries. Junior 5 Damon Bullock may see a little more work in the passing game at RB, than Weisman? He also is running better, after 4 games. Sophomore 33 Jordan Canzeri is good change of pace back. True frosh 29 LeShun Daniels, Jr. hasn't played on the road so far. Another power back, like former Iowa back Shonn Greene. Iowa is deeper at RB than last year.

Tight Ends Iowa can and likely will play all five TEs in some phase of the game. This is the deepest TE corp in Iowa history and junior 82 Ray Hamilton is a player to watch. Senior 86 C.J. Fiedorowicz is the #1 TE and scored a TD in the red zone in Iowa's season opener. Redshirt freshman 46 George Kittle may be another weapon, who executed an outstanding 46 yarder on a wheel route in the OOC. Sophomore 87 Jake Duzey has experience, while sophomore 80 Henry Krieger-Cottle is the fifth TE. Henry scored a 16 yard TD at Michigan as a freshman. This is the corp in Iowa's passing game that will determine how competitive the Hawkeyes are in the Legends race.

Receivers The question at WR, who emerges as a consistent option, after leading receiver, junior 11 Kevonte Martin-Manley (20 catches, 1 TD)? Sophomore 17 Jacob Hillyer has caught TDs in back to back games. JUCO transfer, junior 22 Damond Powell has a TD on 3 explosive receptions. But, will he be asked to do much on the road in the Big Ten opener as a newbie? Sophomore 4 Tevaun Smith is experienced and was targeted in the passing game at ISU with success. Seniors 8 Don Shumpert and 23 Jordan Cotton may be players to locate. Rudock, as mentioned, is a game manager and has the Iowa offense ahead of senior James Vandenberg, who lead Iowa in every snap in 2012.

Offensive line for Iowa has experience with six players in the mix. Player to watch is sophomore center 63 Austin Blythe, who appears to be leading this offense well, though Iowa beat writer Marc Morehouse suggests the OLine is behind the one lead by departed center James Ferentz. Junior LT 68 Brandon Scherff is the next best Iowa lineman, while senior RT 70 Brett Van Sloten is the captain.

Iowa will like be 55-45 run-pass this season, but Iowa wants to be a balanced attack and they showed in the season opener that they will air it out in third and short.  How will OC Davis call this Big Ten opener. He is 1-0 on the road in Big Ten road openers. He has a better roster in 2013.

The Iowa defense is the heart of the team lead by a trio of senior linebackers. The defensive line is improved from 2012. They are getting some pressure on opposing quarterbacks, but few sacks. Iowa likes to stay in base 4-3 defense, but they will rotate some players in situations under second year DC Phil Parker, who has handled secondary 14 of 15 years he had been a coach under head coach Kirk Ferentz.

Linebackers MLB 44 James Morris and OLB 20 Christian Kirksey are the captains of the defense and special teams. WLB 31 Anthony Hitchens (1 sack) leads Iowa in tackles. These three seniors are playing well. Morris had an interception at ISU and Kirksey has a nose for the football, with a fumble return for a TD in season opener. Junior MLB 52 Quinton Alston has played as a situational rusher. Iowa has a true frosh 6 Reggie Spearman, who is an amazing 17 year old. Junior WLB 55 Marcus Collins is active on special teams.

Defensive Line has been strong against the run vs. running quarterbacks and running backs in 2013. Zero touchdowns on the ground thus far this season. Senior RE 79 Dominic Alvis is the senior leader and tackler in DLine. Iowa rotates three defensive tackles in juniors 71 Carl Davis, 90 Louie Trinca-Pasat and sophomore 97 Darian Cooper (1 sack). Sophomore LE 95 Drew Ott is a kid out of Nebraska, who was going to be redshirted in 2012, but had it pulled and became a contributor his final five games as a true frosh. Junior DE 98 Mike Hardy will rotate in. It should be a physical game in the trenches.

Secondary is lead by seniors CB 19 B.J. Lowery and FS 5 Tanner Miller, who lead Iowa in interceptions. Lowery had two Pick-6 against Western Michigan last week. Junior SS 37 John Lowdermilk's papa played at Ohio State and he likes run support, as all of Iowa's secondary have shown. CB 14 Desmond King is a true freshman out of Detroit and has one fumble recovery in three starts. Iowa can play some others in the secondary, if need, but Lowery and Miller lead unit.

Iowa has solid special teams lead by three seniors. PK 96 Mike Meyer could be among the best in B1G and nation as a placekicker. LS 61 Casey Kreiter is very solid. Kick returner and gunner 23 Jordan Cotton was one of the best in the Big Ten last year and is getting better each week under new special teams/RB coach Chris White, a former Vikings assistant. Punt returner 11 Martin-Manley is leading Big Ten and had back to back punt returners to the house last week.  Sophomore punter 98 Connor Kornbath is a solid net punter with Iowa's punt unit and good inside 20. This is an area both teams will look to be successful in.

Our Pick: Iowa 38, Minnesota 21

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz is dean of the Big Ten. Minnesota coach Jerry Kill, now in third season with Golden Gophers (1-1 vs. Ferentz at UM) is well liked and offers interesting chess game in this one.

Iowa is vulnerable in a tight game. It's a rivalry game, so anything is possible.

Battle of Floyd of Rosedale should be a good one in Minneapolis this year in Big Ten Opener. 

The Home Team has won three straight in the Battle of Floyd of Rosedale

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Iowa Hawkeyes (3-1) will be playing its second road game and rivalry contest in three games on Saturday when the team looks to defend Floyd of Rosedale against Minnesota (4-0) on its Homecoming.

It is the Big Ten opener for each team, as it was last year, in Iowa City, when Iowa won 31-13.

The home team has won three straight in this series, with Iowa winning nine out of the last 12 over Minnesota. Iowa has never won outdoors in TCF Bank Stadium, losing two games by a combined total of four points (2010, 2011). Iowa last won in Minneapolis in 2008, in the final game in the Metrodome for the Golden Gophers (55-0).

First-year Iowa receivers coach Bobby Kennedy said Friday afternoon that the receivers have been upbeat and ready to go after winning their last three games. Iowa lost season opener on a costly interception by first year starting sophomore quarterback Jake Rudock, and a last minute field goal to lose by three vs. Northern Illinois, where Jerry Kill coached prior to moving to Minnesota in 2011.

"The mood around the team has been extremely positive this week," said Kennedy. "They're excited to be here in Minneapolis because it's the start of Big Ten play and tomorrow is another trophy game that holds a significant meaning."

After playing in front of a sold out crowd at Iowa State two weeks ago, the Hawkeyes will face another boisterous crowd on Saturday at a sold out TCF Bank Stadium. Kennedy said the team prepared for the anticipated crowd noise at practice.

"We practiced with crowd noise and loud music during the week, so our guys really had to focus," Kennedy said. "They handled it well."

Iowa's passing offense has made strides the last couple games and will face the Big Ten's ninth-ranked team in passing defense tomorrow -- the Golden Gophers have allowed 270 yards per game through the air this season. Kennedy has seen improvement in the Hawkeye receivers.

"I'm pleased with progress, but we're not a finished product," said Kennedy. "We have to keep improving every week. The great thing about (our receivers) is that they want to be good, so they work extremely hard in practice. They're moving in that direction."

Leading the Hawkeye receiving corps is junior Kevonte Martin-Manley, who ranks fifth in the league in receptions (5.0 per game). Kennedy likes the leadership qualities the Hawkeye junior is instilling in his teammates.

"His work ethic is infectious on his teammates," Kennedy said. "They see that he works so hard and what I always tell Kevonte is that is the only way he can work. He has good ability, but he's maximizing his ability. The other guys get their cue from him and they're moving forward."

Martin-Manley appears to mirror head coach Kirk Ferentz on the field. A business-like mind set for KMM, whether as a receiver or on special teams.

The motto for the receiving corp heading into the Big Ten opener:

"Go out and play hard. We have to be aggressive and get after them," said Kennedy.

The chatter out of Minneapolis this week with the Minnesota Golden Gophers is 'hate' and the rivalry, playing for Floyd of Rosedale. The pig became a trophy to reduce the hate driven by Minnesota in the 1930s, so it seems ironic to hear it today, again from the Golden Gophers. 

Look for a physical game found in the trenches, whether it was during the series in the 1980s when Iowa coach was an offensive line coach for Iowa or today, as the two teams walk out on the TCF Bank field.

A key in the Iowa-Minnesota game on Saturday?

Success on third down, either on defense or offense, can often go a long way in determining the outcome in college football. Iowa football defensive coordinator Phil Parker knows the importance of the Hawkeye defense getting off the field on third down.

Part of that success depends on what happens on first and second down. The Hawkeye offense is converting 52% (34-66) of its third down opportunities, and is 1-3 on fourth down. Many of those 66 opportunities have been short yardage situations, which add to the chances of converting those opportunities.

In addition to its third down success, Iowa's average time of possession is 35:48 per game through four outings. That figures ranks first in the Big Ten and third in the nation. Iowa's third down conversion percentage is third in the league and ranks 20th nationally.

The Hawkeye defense has performed well on third down in the four non-conference games. Hawkeye opponents are converting just 24.1 percent of third down opportunities, a figure that ranks third in the Big Ten and eighth in the nation. Parker knows the down and distance plays a big part in that success by his Hawkeye defense.

"That helps our defense a lot, it keeps us off the field a little," said Parker. "Time of possession is big; you don't have to run as many plays. Once again, it comes down to preparation and execution and it's what our kids have done in all areas, offense, defense and special teams."

The Iowa defense has come up with a number of turnovers in four games, collecting six interceptions and three fumbles. In Iowa's most recent win over Western Michigan, senior cornerbacks B.J. Lowery returned two interceptions for touchdowns and WR  Martin-Manley had two touchdowns on punt returns.

"I think a lot of it comes from the preparation during the week," said Parker, following Iowa's Thursday practice. "We spend a little more time on third down preparation, and the guys are starting to get a better understanding of what you have to do on third down. Obviously, if you get them in third and long it is better, you have a better opportunity. We've been doing a better job on first and second down, and we're trying to be aggressive with it."

Parker is pleased with the overall play of the defense through four games, and says every down is important to being a good defense.

"I think what we are doing is playing a lot of base defense on first and second down," said Parker. "We try to keep them to three yards or less on first down, make it second and eight, third and eight. That gives us an advantage. The last couple of games we have been forcing third and five, third and six. It gives us an opportunity, but it still comes down to execution and preparation, and our kids are doing a good job right now."

Minnesota, Saturday's opponent, has also dominated time of possession at just under 33 minutes per game. The Golden Gophers average 282.2 rushing yards per game and rank fourth in the Big Ten in scoring at over 41 points per game.

"Obviously you need turnovers, get a possession back for the offense," said Parker. "That's what we're doing, getting stops on third down, getting three and outs, or getting a turnover to set up the offense. That's our job, to get the ball back, that's what we do."

Minnesota enters the game with a perfect 4-0 record and Parker has been impressed with what he has seen of the Golden Gophers.

"They are very good up front, a good offensive line with excellent running backs," said Parker. "Either of the two quarterbacks can run the ball. They have receivers who are tough, hard nose kids, who can catch the deep ball on play action. It's a great challenge for us, they are very talented."

The game has three major phases, and each team will work to win the battle on offense, on defense and on special teams. Iowa put all three phases together in the 59-3 win over Western Michigan (0-4). However, unlike WMU, the Golden Goohers are completing games.

Iowa and the Golden Gophers kick off at 2:36 p.m. Saturday in Minneapolis in the annual battle for Floyd of Rosedale. ABC will televise the game to a majority of the nation, while all other sections of the nation can view the contest on ESPN2.

This is the oldest rivalry for the Hawkeyes, as the two foes meet for the 107th time in the series.

Iowa opens Big Ten play Saturday at Minnesota

Iowa City, Iowa -- The Hawkeyes open Big Ten play Saturday at Minnesota at TCF Bank Stadium. The game will be televised by ABC beginning at 2:30 p.m. (CT), with reverse mirror on ESPN2. Mike Patrick, Ed Cunningham and Jeannine Edwards will call the action.

Iowa won its third-straight game, improving to 3-1 with a 59-3 rout of Western Michigan on Sept. 21 inside Kinnick Stadium. Minnesota is 4-0 with victories over UNLV (51-23), New Mexico State (44-21), Western Illinois (29-12) and San Jose State (43-24).

Iowa has won three of its last four conference openers, including a 31-13 win over Minnesota in last year's opener. The Hawkeyes are 6-8 in Big Ten openers since 1999. The Hawkeyes are opening the Big Ten season on the road for the 11th time in 15 seasons under coach Kirk Ferentz. In its previous 10 conference openers on the road, Iowa has won three times (42-35 OT at Penn State, 2002; 24-7 at Illinois, 2006; 21-10 at Penn State, 2009).

Iowa also won the first Big Ten road game last year, with a 19-16, 2 OT game at Michigan State.

Defense set the tone in final non-conference game for Iowa.

You can't win a football game if you don't score. On the flipside, you don't lose many when allowing three points.

That was true Sept. 21 for the University of Iowa, by frustrating Western Michigan in its final nonconference tune-up. It was the lowest point-total allowed by the Hawkeyes in 38 games -- dating back to Oct. 2, 2010, and not so coincidently, a 20-3 win against Penn State. The last time Iowa lost a football game when allowing three points was 76 years ago when Irl Tubbs was coach and FDR was President of the United States.

The tone was set on the opening kickoff Saturday when Western Michigan's Dareyon Chance was clobbered by Iowa linebacker Marcus Collins after a 15-yard return.

"That's big momentum for us," said UI senior cornerback B.J. Lowery, who finished the day with four tackles and two Pick-6 interceptions. "Even on the kickoff when Marcus Collins had the big hit, that got us going right there."

"Coach (Kirk) Ferentz asks in practice, `Who is going to be that guy who is going to get that spark?'" said UI senior defensive lineman Dominic Alvis. "As soon as Marcus clocked his guy, it sent electricity through the defense. We're getting out there and we're getting excited and it adds a spark to the entire team. It fueled our fire."

The fire kept burning for three hours and two minutes. Twenty minutes into the game, UI junior receiver/punt returner Kevonte Martin-Manley had more touchdowns (two) than the Broncos had first downs (zero) or rushing yards (one). On six straight possessions, the Hawkeye defense held Western Michigan to three downs-and-punt. The Broncos were 1-of-14 converting on third down.

"We have a good defensive unit," Alvis said. "We're not there yet, but every week we're taking strides and you can see that in the way we play. We showed up from the get-go and getting off the field on third down is our goal, that's our money down, and it is great when we give the offense a chance to score points."

For three straight games Iowa's defense has held opponents to less than 75 yards on the ground. Western Michigan gained 74 yards on 20 carries, Iowa State had 59 yards on 24 attempts, and Missouri State was held to 70 yards on 23 rushes. The Hawkeyes have not allowed a first-half touchdown since the season opener. The defense has yet to give up a rushing touchdown in 2013.

Senior defensive captain, middle linebacker James Morris is waiting for an opponent to "pin their ears back and run at us."

"It is one game and we're trying to build something," said Morris, who had a team-high seven tackles and moved to No. 15 on the all-time career tackle chart with 316. "We don't want to be a one-hit wonder. We want to be competitive down the stretch in October and November. We feel good about what we did, but we're still building."

After four games, the Hawkeyes are ranked 19th in the country in total defense (290.8 yards per game) and Iowa is one of four Football Bowl Subdivision teams yet to surrender a rushing touchdown. That is 128 straight rushing attempts without the opponent reaching the end zone.

"We showed up, were ready to play and didn't let off the gas," Alvis said. "We played like veterans and we played like we should. I'm fortunate to be part of a group guys who take pride in this unit -- there are a lot of playmakers out there."

One playmaker is Lowery. Just when you thought he could do nothing to top his high-flying interception at Iowa State on Sept. 14, he comes back seven days later and returns two interceptions for touchdowns. To put an exclamation point on the second one (from 13 yards), Lowery dove and stretched the ball inside the pylon.

"I learned it from Micah Hyde," Lowery said with a laugh.

Hyde's return for a score following an interception by Tyler Sash highlighted a 37-6 win against No. 5 Michigan State in 2010.

Lowery's two interception touchdown returns is an Iowa record and ties for second-most in NCAA history.

The 2010 season came up twice in reference to Saturday's victory. In that year, Iowa was also 3-1 in nonconference play, and went on to defeat three nationally rated teams and win the Insight Bowl.

The fate of the 2013 team is undecided, but there is no denying it has energy and oomph heading into the conference opener Sept. 28 in Minneapolis.

"This supplies momentum going into the next game and it is an exciting feeling as a player," Alvis said.

"This win is big for us knowing we have to go into Big Ten play next week," Lowery added. "That gives us momentum going to Minnesota."

After a 4-8 season in 2012, the 3-1 start is beginning to raise some eyebrows in the Big Ten media and that Iowa may be one of the biggest surprises this year in the conference. For Big Ten Legends Division teams, the Western Michigan win by Iowa was the most well rounded displays in victory this season.